These Oishii Green Tea Desserts Will Make You Feel Matcha-m You’re In Japan

Matcha is love. Matcha is life.

Anyone with an obsession with matcha as unhealthy as ours will probably attest to the truth of this statement.

In the past couple of years, we’ve seen more and more Japanese joints setting up shop in Singapore. What that also means is more matcha-centric creations available right here on our shores. From hot lattes to cold parfaits, there are so many different ways to satisfy your matcha craving these days.

We rounded up a list of 7 places to get your hit of matcha, and we think you’ll love what we have in store for you.

1. Sun with Moon

This popular spot in town is well-known for its exquisite bento sets and signature kamameshi dishes. But something not as many people know is it dishes up some mean matcha flavoured desserts!

[caption id="attachment_27130" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Matcha Tiramisu (Image Credit: Matcha Parfait (Image Credit: Website

2. Non Entrée Dessert Café

If you haven’t heard of Non Entrée Dessert Café, where you have you been?

This dessert joint along up-and-coming hipster area, Rangoon Road, serves gorgeous cakes, and desserts with a dramatic flair.

Known for their unique local ice cream flavours (think: kaya toast ice cream) and deceptive bak chor mee dessert, one of their other signature items is the Avalanche Dessert.

[caption id="attachment_27131" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Matcha Avalanche (Image Credit: Burpple)[/caption]

For matcha lovers, Non Entrée’s Matcha Avalanche ($13.90) does not disappoint!

Photogenic, tasty, and a joy to watch in action, you and your friends will be fighting over who gets to do the honours. The matcha lave cake sits atop an almond nougatine which covers the bowl. Slice into the cake, and watch the matcha lava flow into the bowl, onto the roasted green tea ice cream and chocolate soil mixture underneath.

With its explosion of flavours and textures, this unique dish is definitely a winner!

Non Entree Desserts
Address: 204 Rangoon Road
Opening Hours: Tue – Thu: 2pm – 10pm; Fri: 2pm – 11pm; Sat: 12pm – 11pm; Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Website

3. Dolce Tokyo

An Italian-Japanese fusion café, Dolce Tokyo serves up a smorgasbord of Japanese desserts, alongside other savoury dishes. The sweets served here have more of a Japanese influence, with the usual suspects like the Iced Matcha Latte ($7) present on the menu.

[caption id="attachment_23754" align="aligncenter" width="960"]dolce Matcha with Goma Black Sesame Cake (Image Credit: ugis Junction #03-10H, 200 Victoria St, Singapore 188021
Opening Hours: Sun – Thu, 11.30am – 10.30pm; Fri – Sat, 11.30am – 11.00pm
Website

4. Kooks Creamery

At this humble café in Serangoon, they serve up the delicious combo of cookies and ice cream.

You’ve heard of lava cakes, lava cream puffs… but have you heard of the lava cookie? The lava cookie is Kooks Creamery’s spin on the fun lava trend. A Matcha Molten Cookie will set you back $5.50, and it comes in a chocolate flavour too.

[caption id="attachment_27132" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Lava Cookie Set (Image Credit: Burpple)[/caption]

We recommend the Lava Cookie Set ($8.50), which consists of a molten cookie topped with a scoop of ice cream. Not enough matcha? Double up on matcha by pairing your cookie with Matcha Ice Cream ($3.60 per scoop, + $0.50 for premium flavours). After all, is there such a thing as too much matcha?

Kooks Creamery
Address:
Blk 211, Serangoon Avenue 4, #01-02, Singapore 550211
Opening Hours:
Tue – Thu: 12pm – 10pm; Fri – Sat: 12pm – 11pm; Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Website

5. Hoshino Coffee

Japanese Hoshino Coffee is best known for their hand-dripped coffee and delectable desserts.

[caption id="attachment_27133" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Iced Matcha Latte with Green Tea Flavoured Softee (Image Credit: Burpple)[/caption]

In the sweets department, some of the crowd-pleasers include the Iced Matcha Latte with Green Tea Flavoured Softee ($9.30), and the Matcha Pot-baked Soufflé ($10.80).

[caption id="attachment_27134" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Pancake Soufflé Style with Matcha and Ogura Bean Paste (Image Credit: Burpple)[/caption]

One of their specials is the Pancake Soufflé Style with Matcha and Ogura Bean Paste ($13.50). This fluffy soufflé pancake is served with matcha sauce, black beans, mochi skin and matcha ice cream. Because they’re freshly made on the spot, you’ll have to wait for about 20 minute for this. If you ask us, it’s completely worth the wait!

Hoshino Coffee
Outlets: Capitol Piazza, Plaza Singapura, Suntec City, Holland Village, Ion Orchard
Opening Hours: Daily, 10.30am – 10.30pm
Website

6. Maccha House

As its name suggests, Maccha House is a haven for all matcha connoisseurs–self-proclaimed or otherwise. Offering a wide array of matcha drinks and desserts, you’d be hard pressed to find a matcha menu as extensive as this!

[caption id="attachment_27135" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Matcha Chocolate Parfait (Image Credit: Burpple)[/caption]

From the simple Hot Matcha Latte ($3.80) to the multi-textured and multi-flavoured Matcha Chocolate Parfait ($10), you’ll have a hard time settling on just one item.

[caption id="attachment_27136" align="aligncenter" width="710"] Matcha Tiramisu (Image Credit: Website

7. Nana’s Green Tea Café

Hailed Japan’s Starbucks, Nana’s Green Tea Café carries signature drinks like the Matcha Latte ($7.00), Matcha Shiratama Float ($9.00), Hoji Chocolate Latte ($8.00) and Genmai Cha ($5.50). Unsurprisingly, this green tea specialist also serves up some amazing matcha desserts.

[caption id="attachment_27137" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Matcha Anmitsu (Image Credit: Website

Matcha is truly a gift to the world.

With so many different matcha-flavoured treats from so many different places, now you know where to go the next time a matcha craving comes over you!

Also read 7 Oozy Choux Pastries That Will Have You Scrambling To Lick Everything Up

(Header Image Source:

Create Your Own Bespoke Ice Cream At These 5 Spots, Available From Monday To Sundae

We all love to eat ice cream, but every now and then, you get sick of eating the same old flavours. Ever been stuck in a predicament like this? We have, and we’ve got the perfect solution: make your own!

Make it extra nutty, extra fruity, extra chocolate-y, or cook up a crazy, wacky creation! Throw out the rule book and create whatever it is your heart so desires.

We’ve compiled a list of 5 places you can go to create your own ice cream, and from the start to the end, we’re sure you’ll enjoy every bit of the process.

1. Cold Rock Ice Creamery

Born out of the state of Queensland in the land down under, Cold Rock Ice Creamery has a catchy 4 step slogan: Choose it, Mix it, Smash it, Love it! That basically sums up what happens at this ice cream joint.

Cold Rock boasts an impressive range of ice cream, gelato and sorbet flavours.

[caption id="attachment_25051" align="aligncenter" width="1280"]cold rock Image Credit:
Address: #B1-60 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, 018972
Opening hours: Sun – Thu: 10am – 11pm; Fri – Sat: 10am – 12am
Contact no.: 6688 7198

2. Ice Cream Chefs

Opened over 10 years ago in 2007, Ice Cream Chefs is Singapore’s very own ice cream mixologist! They offer unique local ice cream flavours like kaya lotee, milo peng, and horlicks, alongside other cannot-go-wrong flavours like oreo cheesecake, peanut butter and jelly!

[caption id="attachment_25052" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]ice cream chefs Image Credit: yimeimei56.blogspot.sg[/caption]

Armed with an array of mix-ins, watch as your creation takes shape on their frost-top, better known as the ‘chef’s rock’. For a taste of Singapore in ice cream-form, this is definitely an ice cream shop worth traveling for.

Ice Cream Chefs
Address: 12 Jalan Kuras, Singapore 577727; 520 East Coast Road #01-06,  Singapore 458965;  2 Telok Blangah Way, SAFRA Mount Faber, #02-08 Singapore 098803
Contact no.: 64584849
Website 

3. Marble Slab Creamery

Founded in 1983 by chefs in Houston, Marble Slab Creamery is the pioneer when it comes to mixing ice cream on a frozen stone. Their main draw? Having a seemingly endless array of mix-ins to choose from!

marble slab

Boasting 30 mix-ins, from Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups to Snickers Bars, to White Chocolate Chips, you’ll have a hard time deciding what should go into your ice cream. Have your ice cream in a cup or a freshly baked plain cone at no added charge!

A new addition to their selection of ice creams is ‘Coco Pure’,  a vegan, lactose free and gluten free coconut-based ice cream. If you’re lactose and gluten intolerant, you know what to do!

Marble Slab Creamery
Address: Causeway Point, Century Square, Changi City Point, Kallang Wave, The Star Vista
Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm
Contact no.: (Causeway Point) 6891 2346 | (Century Point) 6444 6477 | (Changi City Point) 6636 1841 | (Kallang Wave) 6702 3039 | (Star Vista) 6694 1927
Website

4. Little Ice Cream Kafe (LICK)

Hidden among some unassuming shophouses along Tanjong Katong Road is LICK, short-form for Little Ice Cream Kafe. Carrying a wide variety of flavours ranging from good old classics to zesty, fruity ones, to local favourites, there are always 25 flavours to choose from at any point in time.

[caption id="attachment_25053" align="aligncenter" width="713"]lick Image Credit: danielfooddiary.com[/caption]

Combine these yummy flavours with mix-ins such as nuts, cereals and chocolates, and watch the magic happen on a special granite slab. Keep a lookout for their daily promotions! Some days, you get to enjoy free mix-ins, while others, you get to enjoy half price on waffles!

Little Ice Cream Kafe (LICK)
Address: 258 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437046
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 1pm – 12am; Sat: 12pm – 12am; Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Contact no.: 6440 8526

5. Cold Stone Creamery

Originating in Arizona, Cold Stone Creamery now has a mind-boggling 1,400 stores worldwide! That all attests to the popularity of their ice cream. Every ice cream served here is proudly called a “Creation”, because the people at Cold Stone believe each one is a work of art.

[caption id="attachment_26589" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Image Credit:
Address: Orchard Central (OC), Far East Square (FES), VivoCity (Vivo), HillV2 (HV2)
Opening hours: (OC) Daily, 11am – 11pm | (FES) Mon – Fri: 11am – 8pm | (Vivo and HV2) Daily, 11am – 10pm
Contact no.: (OC) 6634 1015 | (FES) 6536 2420 | (Vivo) 6376 9352 | (HV2) 6710 7262

If you’re looking to create your very own sweet treat, head to one of these ice creameries and whip up something amazing. With so many ways you can customise your treat, you won’t ever have to complain about eating the ‘same old flavours’ again!

Also read 9 New Desserts So Wacky, You Need To Try Them At Least Once!

(Header Image Source: Groupon)

These Whiskey Bars Feature The Most Expansive Collections – And Even Some Rare Finds!

Whiskey lovers, this one’s just for you!

The stereotype of whiskey being only a gentleman’s drink is long gone. From the casual drinker to the zealous malt connoisseur, there are enough varieties of whiskey to satisfy everyone.

We give you the top 7 places in Singapore for the best whiskey drinking experience!

1. The Auld Alliance

One of the largest whiskey selections in the world (not just Singapore!), The Auld Alliance, carries over 1,500 whiskies, impressively stocking scotches from every distillery in Scotland.

Their dark timber furnishings and distinguished leather couches, together with towering shelves where the bar’s spirits are displayed, give the place an old world charm.

[caption id="attachment_24120" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]auld alliance Image Credit:
Address:  9 Bras Basah Road #02-02A, Rendezvous Hotel, Singapore 189559
Contact no.: 6337 2201 (phone calls only); 9670 0612 (texts only)
Opening hours: Mon – Thu, 5pm – 1am; Fri – Sat, 5pm – 2am; Sun, 5pm – 12am
Website

2. Highlander

With 2 locations now, Highlander carries a vast selections of over 200 whiskies from different regions in Scotland. They offer the finest labels from the Speyside to Islay regions, as well as international whiskies such as Australian, Canadian, Irish, American, and Japanese whiskey.

[caption id="attachment_24817" align="alignnone" width="1960"] Image Credit: 3. Fine Spirits by La Maison du Whisky

One of the largest whiskey distributors in the world, La Maison du Whisky’s first store was opened in Paris in 1968. Fine Spirits is their 3rd outlet in the world (the 2nd is in Madagascar), bringing the same rare and collectible products to our shores.

[caption id="attachment_24816" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image Credit: Mike Trent[/caption]

By day, they are a dedicated whiskey retailer, and by night, they transform into a swanky bar!

Their selection is outstanding with over 400 varieties of light and dark spirits by the glass, and this extends to their cocktail making too, guaranteeing you a delicious drink whatever you choose.

And if you’re interested in taking home a whole bottle, knock yourself out and choose from 700 varieties of whiskies!

La Maison du Whisky
Address: The Pier @ Robertson Quay, 80 Mohamed Sultan Road #01-10, Singapore 239013
Contact no.: 6733 0059
Opening hours: Mon – Thu, 6pm – 12am; Fri – Sat, 6pm – 1am; Sun, 6pm – 9pm
Website

4. Urban Saloon

Urban Saloon is Singapore’s modern take on the classic western saloon. A one-stop drinking and dining destination, Urban Saloon is a bar and restaurant at the Red Dot Traffic Building promising the “ultimate bourbon whisky experience”.

[caption id="attachment_24125" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]urban saloon Image Credit: Website

5. The Flagship

Self-proclaimed ‘Home of the Old Fashioned’, The Flagship is a whiskey-centric bar that takes its inspiration from 1960s American dive bars. From whiskey fanatics to first-timers, there’s something for everyone here!

[caption id="attachment_24126" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]the flagship Image Credit: Website

6. The WoW

WoW, also known as World of Whisky, certainly lives up to its name! While not necessarily the largest selection in Singapore, they offer well over 200 varieties, the majority of which are unique and of single cask or cask strength bottling, allowing for plenty of exploration.

[caption id="attachment_24127" align="aligncenter" width="800"]wow bar Image Credit:  6818 3305
Opening hours: Daily, 5pm – 11pm
bowl that is a Scottish Gaelic symbol of welcome and friendship. After 9 years of being ‘Singapore’s Leading Single Malt Whisky & Cigar Bar’ at Waterfront Plaza, Quaich Bar opened a second outlet in 2015!

[caption id="attachment_24128" align="aligncenter" width="2048"]quaich bar Image Credit: 5 Best Craft Beer Bars For True Blue Beer Lovers In Singapore

(Top Image Credit:

7 Oozy Choux Pastries That Will Have You Scrambling To Lick Everything Up

Is there anything better than sinking your teeth into a creamy, oozy choux pastry? No matter the shape or size, they’re a guaranteed flavour bomb!

For all you sweet tooths out there, we’ve put together a list of 7 places where you can get your hands (and lips!) on these tasty cream puffs!

1. Châteraisé Singapore

Originally from Japan, the immensely popular Châteraisé patisserie opened up in Singapore in April 2015. The outlets offer a huge variety of cakes and pastries, including their famed Double Fantasy Cream Puff ($1.90).

[caption id="attachment_23713" align="aligncenter" width="960"]chateraise Image Credit: Burpple[/caption]

Filled with Hokkaido cream and egg custard, they occasionally offer flavours like sweet potato and matcha. This palm-sized pastry is possibly the best thing you can get for under $2!

Châteraisé
Outlets: Jurong East, Shaw House, Novena Square 2, Serangoon Nex, City Square Mall, CityLink, Chinatown Point
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm
Website

2. Pulse Patisserie

Combining the classic French pastry with the local passion for salted egg yolk, the Salted Egg Yolk Cream Puff ($12 for a half dozen) was born. Pulse Patisserie’s bite-sized creations have a cookie crust top that gives it a crisp texture, perfectly complementing the unique sweet-savoury filling inside.

[caption id="attachment_24784" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image Credit: Burrple[/caption]

It’ll probably get messy, but where good food is concerned, who cares! These pretty, petite golden puffs are perfect for a snack, especially when accompanied with a hot cuppa.

Pulse Patisserie 
Address: 180 Depot Road #01-06, The Interlace, Singapore 109684
Opening Hours: Mon, Wed – Fri, 11am – 7pm; Sat, 9am – 7pm; Sun, 9am – 5pm
Website

3. Angela May Food Chapters

Among other sweet treats, you’ll find a range of sweet and savoury choux pastries at Angela May Food Chapters. Not afraid to push the boundaries of pastry, the puffs here contain unconventional ingredients like cucumber, jasmine, mint, sesame, ricotta, and even prawns!

[caption id="attachment_23717" align="aligncenter" width="750"]Angela May Image Credit: Image Credit: 5. Pantler

Located right in the CBD, this is a dessert haven that carries light, artisanal pastries and bakes. Served in a chic minimalist shop, one of their most raved about creations is the Choux Crème ($4.90).

[caption id="attachment_23746" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]pantler Image Credit: 6. Les Délices

Translating into “The Delights” in French,  choux pastries are the specialty of Les Délices. Crisp on the outside and hollow and chewy in the middle, it’s perfect for filling up with their delicious pastry creams.

[caption id="attachment_24786" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Image Source: Burpple[/caption]

Their signature puffs come in 3 different flavours – Valrhona Guanaja Choux, Matcha Choux, Earl Grey Choux ($5.90 each). Topped with a crunchy cookie layer, it’s definitely a treat for both the eyes and the tastebuds.

Les Délices
Address: 333 Kreta Ayer Road, Singapore 080333
Opening hours: Mon, 12.30pm – 5.30pm; Tue – Thu, 12.30pm – 10pm; Fri – Sat, 12.30pm – 10.30pm
Image Credit: Website

If any of these delicate creations grab your fancy, head down to these top spots for one (or more) delicious choux pastry to sweeten up your day!

Also read 10 Uniquely Singaporean Cocktails You Can’t Find Anywhere Else In The World

(Top Image Credit: Anakjajan)

9 Exciting Ways To Kill Time In Changi Airport When You’re Stuck In Transit

changi

Changi Airport – the pride and joy of Singapore.

Yesterday, its status as a world class airport was further confirmed as Changi Airport was once again crowned Best Airport in the World. This would be the eighth time it’s won the honour!

While most, if not all of us Singaporeans have been to Changi Airport at some point, not all of us have explored it enough to know everything it has to offer.

Whether you’re stuck in transit or have arrived at the airport hours too early for your flight, here are 9 exciting things you can do at the airport to pass the time!

1. Entertainment Deck

The Entertainment Deck is the place to go for a group with diverse interests. You’ll find more than just a few sets of Xbox 360s and Playstation 3s, a Wii room, and even a LAN cafe you can use for free!

[caption id="attachment_23781" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: These Innovative Kickstarter Products Show That S’poreans Have Brilliant Ideas Too

10 Uniquely Singaporean Cocktails You Can’t Find Anywhere Else In The World

In the 1900s, the first cocktail with a local twist was born: the Singapore Sling. Fast forward 100+ years later, and we are seeing a new wave of locally inspired cocktails handcrafted all over bars in Singapore! 

These unconventional concoctions are the genius works of Singaporean bartenders who have delved deep into their roots to create drinks that capture different aspects of Singapore. Kudos to these guys who’ve created some amazing drinks out of flavours and elements that hit so close to home!

Without further ado, here’s our guide to 10 uniquely Singaporean cocktails you can’t find anywhere else in the world!

1. The Red Ruby – Hopscotch Bar

Kicking off this list is The Red Ruby, a crowd favourite at Hopscotch, a craft cocktail bar tucked away in the colonial Red Dot Traffic Building.

[caption id="attachment_23498" align="aligncenter" width="700"]red ruby Red Ruby ($22), Image Credit: Topped with an Ang Ku Kueh Agar Agar, the Red Ruby will definitely get people looking over. The drink is a mixture of homemade coconut sorbet, Angostura Light Rum, and pandan syrup. A coconut-y cocktail that doubles as a dessert, this drink is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Hopscotch2. Laksa Cocktail – Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall

Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall is a hidden speakeasy with limited seating. Here, they make almost every syrup and ingredient from scratch, and boast a wide variety of cocktails with a local flair.

[caption id="attachment_23697" align="alignnone" width="640"]
Address: 60A Boat Quay, S049848
Contact: 6535 0838
Opening hours: Mon to Thu, 6pm – 12am; Fri & Sat, 6pm – 3am
Website

3. Raspberry Milo Moonshine – The Secret Mermaid

By day, this space operates as an unassuming Shinkansen, a Japanese Salad Bar, in the CBD. But once dusk falls, it transforms into The Secret Mermaid.

[caption id="attachment_23502" align="aligncenter" width="1620"]moonshine milo Milo Moonshine ($15), Image Credit: Topped with sticks of Pocky, this drink is perfect for all who are young at heart!

The Secret Mermaid4. Prawn Noodle Cocktail – Kuvo

Located in the heart of Orchard road, Kuvo, which means ‘blend’ in French, offers a fusion of flavours through their food and beverages.

Pretty much an alcoholic version of the well-loved prawn noodle soup, Kuvo’s Prawn Noodle Cocktail mirrors the dish as a savoury and warm cocktail.  

[caption id="attachment_23510" align="aligncenter" width="640"]prawn noodle cocktail Prawn Noodle Cocktail ($20), Image Credit: Address: 321 Orchard Road, #02-01 S238866
Contact: 6733 8272
Opening hours: Mon to Thu, 12pm – 1am; Fri & Sat, 12pm – 2am; Sun 12pm – 1am
Mr. Bean ($23), Image Credit:
Address: 49 Tras Street, Singapore 078988
Contact: 6222 3349
Opening hours: Mon to Thu, 6pm – 1am; Fri & Sat,6pm – 2am
Website

6. Tomyum Martini – Maison Ikkoku Bar

Also known for it’s cafe of the same name, Maison Ikkoku Bar is situated right above it. There, amidst the cosy chic vibe going on, you will find their gutsy Tomyum Martini.

A concoction leaning on the savoury side with salty, sour and peppery notes, it has a lingering spiciness that may prove too exotic for some.

[caption id="attachment_23623" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]tomyum martini Tomyum Martini ($28), Image Credit:
Address: 20 Kandahar St, 1F, Singapore 198885
Contact: 6294 0078
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday – 4pm to 1am, Friday to Saturday and PH Eve – 4pm to 2am
Website

7. Pipagao Cocktail – Ding Dong

Pipagao is a traditional Chinese medicine many of us have taken at some point in our lives to relieve a cough or sore throat.

Who would have thought to turn it into an alcoholic drink? Well, the guys at Ding Dong did, which is why the Pipagao Cocktail now exists.

[caption id="attachment_23522" align="aligncenter" width="800"]pipagao Pipagao ($22), Image Credit:
Address: 23 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069703
Contact: 6884 6884
Opening hours: Mon to Fri, 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 12am; Sat, 6pm – 12am
Website

8. Kaya Toast Cocktail – Bitters and Love

A play on a local breakfast favourite, Bitters and Love’s Kaya Toast Cocktail is fittingly served in a kaya jam jar.

[caption id="attachment_23526" align="aligncenter" width="975"]kaya toast cocktail Kaya Toast Cocktail ($23), Image Credit:
Address: 118 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068587
Contact: 6438 1836
Opening hours: Mon to Thu: 6pm – 12am, Fri to Sat: 6pm – 2am
Website

9. Singapore Sazerac – The Warehouse Hotel Bar

The newly opened Warehouse Hotel has an unmistakable slant towards Asian/Singaporean influences. This is clearly reflected especially in the hotel’s lobby bar, where they serve a unique Singapore Sazerac.

[caption id="attachment_23593" align="aligncenter" width="1600"]warehousehotel.com Singapore Sazerac ($20), Image Credit:  a mix of spices, raisin bourbon, pandan bitters, rye, cognac, and absinthe. You can expect a kick from this cocktail!

The Warehouse Hotel Bar10. Kopi Cat – Loof

Loof, which affectionately pokes fun at the Singaporean pronunciation of ‘roof’, is a casual rooftop bar steeped in 90’s Singapore nostalgia. With a food and drink menu that gives off a distinctively local vibe, one of the must-tries here is The Kopi Cat.

[caption id="attachment_23534" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]kopi cat Kopi Cat ($19), Image Credit: Address: 331 North Bridge Road, #03-07, Odeon Towers Extension Rooftop, Singapore 188720
Contact: 6337 9416
Opening hours: Mon to Thurs, 5pm – 1am; Fri to Sat, 5pm – 2am

A Super Insta-Worthy and Trendy Hotel Has Just Opened In Singapore

Looking for a new place for a quick stay-cay? Look no further than the trendy and very insta-worthy Warehouse Hotel that just opened at Robertson Quay!

The hotel recently opened in January this year, and used to be a heritage building that was built in 1895.

[caption id="attachment_22835" align="aligncenter" width="2000"]The Warehouse Hotel Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: Image Credit: . Their names add a local flair, and ingredients are sourced locally too.

[caption id="attachment_23086" align="aligncenter" width="1149"]cocktails Image Credit: The Warehouse Hotel 
Venue: 320 Havelock Road, Robertson Quay, Singapore 169628​
Price: ranging from $285 to $545 per night (depending on the room selection)
Reservations: (65) 6828​ 0000

The Wicked Cream: Gourmet Marshmallows To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

The Wicked Cream

West-siders, we’ve found a sweet spot for all you dessert fiends! The Wicked Cream offers gourmet marshmallows that will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. 

Their signature creation, the WickedMallow, gives the humble roasted marshmallow a gourmet update.

These marshmallows are made in small batches, and are carefully hand-crafted and roasted individually. You can choose from an array of unique flavours like sea salt gula melaka, speculoos caremelised cookie and uji matcha, just to name a few!

[caption id="attachment_22536" align="aligncenter" width="960"]Mallowboard Credit: Roasted on the outside, with a soft, gooey inside that melts in your mouth, the WickedMallow is the perfect bite-sized dessert!

[caption id="attachment_22507" align="aligncenter" width="1080"]WickedMallows Credit: You might have even seen these guys around at pop-up stalls and art markets with their beautifully packaged jars, all ready for you to take home or give away!

A Drink To Go Along?

Aside from these pop-in-your-mouth delights, The Wicked Cream offers a selection of hot or iced chocolates and teas. Delicious and creamy, their flavours range from Chocolate Earl Grey to Thai Green Milk Tea.

When you order it hot, it even comes with a stick of mini roasted mallows as a bonus treat!

[caption id="attachment_22537" align="aligncenter" width="1080"]Hot Choc Credit: facebook.com/TheWickedCream.SG[/caption]

Mash in Cone

Another one of their inventions is the Mash in Cone. Presented deceptively like a soft-serve ice cream, it is actually a truffle mash, torched and served on a cone! Topped with a syringe filled with honey brown sauce, this is definitely an insta-worthy food capture.

[caption id="attachment_22551" align="aligncenter" width="640"]Truffle Mash Credit: The Wicked Cream also has a These guys have definitely left their mark with their unique, instagrammable treats. Be sure to keep a lookout for these carefully crafted goodies the next time you’re at a pop-up event or local art market!

The Wicked Cream
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Tel: 8222 0140 / 9732 3123

Operating Hours: Based on reservations / appointments only
8 Best Acai Bowls And Smoothies In Singapore For A Completely Guilt-Free Treat

2017 Cherry Blossoms In Japan: Here’s Everything You Need To Know For A Trip There

Every year, throngs of people make their way to Japan in Spring just to participate in Hanami. It’s more commonly known as the Cherry Blossom viewing and it refers to the age-old Japanese custom of appreciating the delicate sakura blooms.

The cherry trees bloom all over Japan at different times. They are known to be at full glory after their first week of blossoming when they’re at their fullest. However, it’s a short time frame and the flowers are unpredictable.

To ensure you don’t miss the 2017 cherry blossoms in Japan, here’s a look at the cherry blossom schedule:

Tokyo

Home of the famed Tsukiji Fish market, Disneyland and sea, Tokyo offers a mix of the modern and traditional.

You can take part in the peaceful Hanami tradition, and slip right back into the bustle of city life without missing a beat.

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2017 cherry blossoms in Japan: Tokyo
Estimated Opening:
March 26
Estimated Best Viewing: April 2 – 10
Best Viewing Spots:
Shinjuku Gyoen (10 minute walk from Shinjuku Station)
Ueno Park (a few steps from Ueno Station)
Sumida Park (a few steps from Asakusa Station)

Kyoto

Previously the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto has much to show from its beautiful past.

Here, you will be able to experience one of Japan’s few still-operational geisha districts, as well as visit a collection of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Not forgetting the most well-known site, the Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine with its impressive views and photo-worthy captures.

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2017 cherry blossoms in Japan: Kyoto
Estimated Opening:
March 29
Estimated Best Viewing: April 4 – 12
Best Viewing Spots:
Philosopher’s Path (between Ginkakuji and Nanzenji Temples)
Maruyama Park (next to Yasaka Shrine)
Arashiyama (northwest of central Kyoto)

Osaka

Japan’s second most populous city, only after Tokyo, is a unique blend of cosmopolitan style and country charm.

There’s something for everyone –  kids can enjoy a fun day out at Universal Studios Japan and the Osaka Aquarium, while adults can enjoy the friendly vibes and night scenes at Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori.

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2017 cherry blossoms in Japan: Hiroshima
Estimated Opening: March 28
Estimated Best Viewing: April 3 – 11
Best Viewing Spots:
Hiroshima Peace Park (next to Genbaku Domu Mae tram stop)
Shukkeien Garden (15 minute walk from Hiroshima Station)
Hiroshima Castle (10 minute walk from Kamiyacho-nishi or Kamiyacho-higashi tram stop)

Essential information for 2017 cherry blossoms in Japan

Although there are no direct flights to Kyoto and Hiroshima, these places are easily accessible by train or connecting flights.

Prices are most inexpensive for direct flights to Tokyo during the first week of April, with Osaka, Fukuoka and Nagoya being comparable.

We hope that you’ve enjoyed this small glimpse into what you could witness in real life yourself. While we’ve covered Japan’s most beautiful 2017 cherry blossom viewing spots, there are still other locations to be discovered.

So have fun planning your trip to Japan and be sure to enjoy these transient beauties, as well as the many historical and culinary delights from the Land of the Rising Sun!

Also, read Forget Tokyo, Niigata Is The Next Top Japan Travel Destination!